A husband and wife accused of human trafficking were granted bail, during their appearance before a Magistrate in Providenciales on March 25, 2025.
Oren Walkin, 50, and his wife, Maria Pineda de Walkin, 45, both of South Dock Road, Providenciales, were each granted bail in the amount of $50,000 with one surety. The couple is facing multiple charges related to human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and operating a brothel.
As part of their bail conditions, the Walkins must surrender all travel documents, are prohibited from leaving the Turks and Caicos Islands without first obtaining permission from the court at least 24 hours in advance, must report to a designated police station on specified days and times, reside at a specified location, notify the court of any change in their residential address, and must not contact the victims in any form, whether directly or through third parties acting on their behalf.
Oren Walkin is charged with eight counts of Trafficking in Persons and one count of Keeping a Brothel Used for Prostitution. He was arrested on October 11, 2024.
Maria Pineda de Walkin faces eight counts of Trafficking in Persons, six counts of Controlling Prostitution for Gain, and one count of Keeping a Brothel Used for Prostitution. She was arrested on March 20, 2025, by officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force’s Serious Crimes Unit.
The case has been adjourned to May 2, 2025, for a Sufficiency Hearing, where the court will determine whether there is enough evidence for the matter to proceed to trial.
The charges have sparked growing concern across the territory, as authorities continue their investigations into human trafficking and related offenses.
Comments